Graphic Design – Volunteer
FTC Control System
Diagrams Package
Developing a resource that helps all skill levels
With the debut of the FTC documentation website, their team needed a way to visually convey to students and teams of varying levels of knowledge, what their robot control system hardware is composed of, and how it should be wired.
Design Processes
Digital illustration, Design Systems, Diagram Design, Secondary Research
Software
Adobe Illustrator
Section A – The Strategy
“Don’t Scare the rookies, but still be helpful to all teams”
Client’s Suggestion
It was suggested by the client that a multi-diagram approach would have to be ideal. Upon consideration, it was agreed to be the path forward, Since this approach allows for multiple complexities that accommodate both veteran and rookie teams.
The Final Approach
2 Major Diagram types would be planned, one for each controller architecture, with versions for both basic and advanced configurations. An additional Driver’s Station diagram was also needed to illustrate possible configurations.
Section B
Laying the Groundwork
In order to harmonize the diagrams, a design system had to be identified. This is to ensure visual consistency among each diagram, and making it easier for any changes to not stray away from the system.
Section C
User Experience
Compartmentalization
By keeping each component that has a similar use case or connection scheme, it reduces confusion and allows for a better understanding on which subsystems do components belong.
Wayfinding
Optimized placement of components allowed for wire traces to have virtually no overlap from each other, making it easier to trace a connection from its origin to its end.
Tooltips
Including part descriptions, part numbers, as well as nuances and reminders in some connections allows the diagram to communicate important attributes that must be taken into account.
Section D
2 Systems, 2 levels of Difficulty (and a Drivers station Diagram)
